*Generalizations made to simplify the story-telling, not the diversity of experiences*
In the USA I'm often chided for my slow pace. I get ready too slowly in the morning, I eat too slowly, I complete my work too slowly (I blame that on perfectionism), I make decisions too slowly, etc. I'm constantly being told to rush through life. I strongly believe that sometimes my surroundings simply call me to stop and smell the roses. South Africa is teaching me a few things about pacing myself.
Living here, I'm told the exact opposite of my speed. I must make a conscious effort to slow my walk with my friends and coworkers, to speak more slowly and clearly or even rephrase my speech, and to check my patience levels during decision-making processes. Everything about this non-Western culture beckons for me to slow down; it's given me a lot of time to reflect on my Western habits.
Recently, I have joined Key Ministry International to help them in their mission to assist refugees in the Pietermaritzburg area. One afternoon, I was playing secretary for KMI when a man entered the office. I barely greeted him and said, "Hi, are you looking for Lidia or Pastor Samson?" He said "No, I'm looking for you," which shocked me because I didn't recognize him. He proceeded to introduce himself (which I so rudely forgot to do when he first entered) before he admitted he was actually looking for the pastor. I was able to assist him, he said farewell, and left the office. Then I realized, it's that kind of interaction that shows more interest in the person rather than fulfilling a job. That's not to say this represents all of the Western world, but it's the same kind of task-oriented thinking that has me rushing and worrying through life.
South African time creates a focus on people rather than tasks, for example by walking slowly. Generally, people here do not rush for anything. They could be late for work, church, an appointment, and still stop to properly greet someone on their journey. Imagine that people are those roses we need to pause to appreciate. How differently we would view the world, then.
In Luke 12, Paul uses flowers as an analogy to remind us how unnecessary our worries can be sometimes. If that is how God clothes flowers, which are here today and gone tomorrow, how much more will he clothe you! Imagine if we considered our surrounding environment, whether people or plants, as so splendidly clothed by our creator God. Would we worry less about deadlines, appointments, and schedules? Would we slow down and admire more then?
I've still got a lot to learn from the people who prioritize the journey over the destination. I've still got a lot to learn as I sit down to tutor the next trouble maker and remind myself, Patience, this is a splendidly clothed child of God and should be admired as such. The note below is a piece of advice that was written by a SALTer who just returned as I departed in August 2015. I chose it at random from a pile of other wise, experienced writings. I didn't know then how true it would be for my own reflection throughout the year. Praise God.
